Aquarium filter arrangement with control valve

ABSTRACT

A filter arrangement for an aquarium is disclosed. The filter arrangement can include a housing assembly, a pump assembly, a transfer tube assembly, and a valve assembly for controlling water flow through the transfer tube assembly. The transfer tube assembly can include a tube structure within which a valve body of the valve assembly is rotatably disposed. The tube structure can be formed from a first tube half mated to a second tube half to permanently secure the valve body within the tube structure. A valve operator can be connected to the valve body to advantageously allow a user to manipulate the flow of water through the transfer tube assembly. Control of water flow through the filter arrangement is beneficial for obtaining a desired water flow for a certain aquarium size and application and for reducing flow during certain periods, such as during feeding.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/819,892, filed Nov. 21, 2017, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for filteringaquarium water. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a filterhousing arrangement and methods related to use of the filter housingarrangement.

BACKGROUND

To maintain an ecological balance within an aquarium, it is necessary tokeep the water in the aquarium clean. Cleaning is often accomplished bypumping water from the aquarium to a filter device, filtering the waterthrough a filter medium, and returning the filtered water to theaquarium. Such filtering devices generally include an internal pumpdriven by an electric motor for pumping the water through the filtermedium. During operation of the pump and motor assembly, it is sometimesdesired to control the flow provided by the pump. Devices exist in theprior art for this purpose. However, some are difficult to operateand/or are not provided integrally with the remainder of the filterdevice.

In general improvements in filtering devices are sought.

SUMMARY

A filter arrangement for an aquarium is disclosed. In some examples, thefilter arrangement includes a housing assembly, a pump assembly, atransfer tube assembly, and a valve assembly for controlling water flowthrough the transfer tube assembly.

In some examples, the housing assembly includes a housing and aremovable cover, wherein the housing and cover defining an interiorvolume within which a filter cartridge is disposed.

In some examples, the transfer tube assembly has an inlet and an outletand is operably connected to the pump outlet and the transfer tubeoutlet is in fluid communication with the interior volume upstream ofthe filter cartridge.

In some examples, the transfer tube assembly includes a tube structurewithin which a valve body of the valve assembly is rotatably disposed.

In some examples, the tube structure is formed from a first tube halfand a second tube half mated to the first tube half.

In some examples, the first and second tube halves are bonded to eachother.

In some examples, the valve body is non-removable from the tubestructure after the first and second tube halves are bonded to eachother.

In some examples, the valve assembly includes a rotatable valve body anda valve operator connected to the valve body.

In some examples, a portion of the valve operator extends through anaperture of the removable cover of the housing assembly.

In some examples, the valve operator includes an indicator for providinga visual indication of the position of the valve operator.

In some examples, the transfer tube assembly includes a first stopsurface against which the valve operator abuts when the valve operatoris rotated to a position corresponding to the valve body being in afully open position. The first stop surface can be located on a tubestructure of the transfer tube assembly.

In some examples, the transfer tube assembly includes a second stopsurface against which the valve operator abuts when the valve operatoris rotated to a position corresponding to the valve body being in arelatively closed position. The second stop surface can be located on atube structure of the transfer tube assembly.

In some examples, the valve assembly further includes a seal membermounted to the valve operator, wherein the seal member forms a sealbetween the valve operator and a tube structure of the transfer tubeassembly.

In one aspect of the disclosure the transfer tube assembly can include atube structure including a first tube half and a second tube half matedto the first tube half, wherein the tube structure defines a valvecavity between an inlet end of the tube structure and an outlet end ofthe tube structure. In such an example, a valve body can be rotatablydisposed within the valve cavity of the tube structure, wherein thevalve body is rotatable to limit water flow through the tube structure.In one aspect, a valve operator can be connected to the valve body,wherein the valve operator is for manipulating the rotational positionof the valve body. A seal member can also be provided for forming a sealbetween the valve operator and the tube structure.

In some examples, the tube structure includes a first stop surfaceagainst which the valve operator abuts when the valve operator isrotated to a position corresponding to the valve body being in a fullyopen position.

In some examples, the tube structure includes a second stop surfaceagainst which the valve operator abuts when the valve operator isrotated to a position corresponding to the valve body being in arelatively closed position.

In some examples, the tube structure defines a recessed portion withinwhich a valve member of the valve body resides when the valve body is ina fully open position.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a method for constructing a transfertube assembly for of an aquarium filter arrangement for an aquarium ispresented. In one example, the method can include the steps of insertinga valve body into a first cavity portion of a first tube half, joining asecond tube half to the first tube half such that the valve body isreceived into a second cavity portion of the second tube half, andbonding the first tube half to the second tube half to secure the valvebody between the first and second tube halves.

In some examples, the method includes mounting a valve operator to thevalve body.

In some examples, the bonding step includes sonic welding.

In some examples, the step of mounting the valve operator includesmounting the valve operator such that a seal member forms a seal betweenthe valve operator and the first tube half.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventiveconcepts upon which the examples disclosed herein are based.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a filter arrangement foruse with an aquarium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a filter arrangement in accordwith the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the filter arrangement shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a first side view of the filter arrangement shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a second side view of the filter arrangement shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the filter arrangement shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the filter arrangement shown in FIG.1, taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6A is an enlarged portion of the view shown in FIG. 6, as indicatedat FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the filter arrangement shown in FIG.1, taken along the line 7-7 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the filter arrangement shown in FIG.1, taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the transfer tubeassembly of the filter arrangement shown in FIG. 1, taken along the line9-9 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the transfer tubeassembly of the filter arrangement shown in FIG. 1, taken along the line10-10 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the filter arrangement shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a front top perspective view of a filter housing of thefilter arrangement shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a bottom rear perspective view of the filter housing shown inFIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the filter housing shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the filter housing shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the filter housing shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the filter housing shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 18 is a front top perspective view of a pump assembly of the filterarrangement shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is a front top perspective view of the pump assembly shown inFIG. 18, with a first housing part of the pump assembly shown as beingtransparent.

FIG. 20 is a front top perspective view of the pump assembly shown inFIG. 18, with a first housing part of the pump assembly shown as beingremoved.

FIG. 21 is a top front perspective view of a pump impeller assembly ofthe pump assembly shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of the pump impeller assembly shown inFIG. 21, with the impeller portion removed.

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of the impeller portion of the pumpimpeller assembly shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a front view of a dampening structure of the pump assemblyshown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 25 is a rear view of the dampening structure shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a top view of the dampening structure shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the dampening structure shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 28 is a first side view of the dampening structure shown in FIG.24.

FIG. 29 is a second side view of the dampening structure shown in FIG.24.

FIG. 30 is a first perspective view of an cover member of the dampeningstructure shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 31 is a second perspective view of the cover member shown in FIG.30.

FIG. 32 is a front view of the cover member shown in FIG. 30.

FIG. 33 is a rear view of the cover member shown in FIG. 30.

FIG. 34 is a top view of the cover member shown in FIG. 30.

FIG. 35 is a bottom view of the cover member shown in FIG. 30.

FIG. 36 is a first side view of the cover member shown in FIG. 30.

FIG. 37 is a second side view of the cover member shown in FIG. 30.

FIG. 38 is a first perspective view of a motor cover of the dampeningstructure shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 39 is a second perspective view of the motor cover shown in FIG.38.

FIG. 40 is a front view of the motor cover shown in FIG. 38.

FIG. 41 is a rear view of the motor cover shown in FIG. 38.

FIG. 42 is a top view of the motor cover shown in FIG. 38.

FIG. 43 is a bottom view of the motor cover shown in FIG. 38.

FIG. 44 is a first side view of the motor cover shown in FIG. 38.

FIG. 45 is a second side view of the motor cover shown in FIG. 38.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a first dampening member of thedampening structure shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 47 is a front view of the first dampening member shown in FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is a first perspective view of a first housing part of the pumpassembly shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 49 is a second perspective view of the first housing part shown inFIG. 48.

FIG. 50 is a front view of the first housing part shown in FIG. 48.

FIG. 51 is a side view of the first housing part shown in FIG. 48.

FIG. 52 is a top view of the first housing part shown in FIG. 48.

FIG. 53 is a bottom view of the first housing part shown in FIG. 48.

FIG. 54 is a first perspective view of a second housing part of the pumpassembly shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 55 is a second perspective view of the second housing part shown inFIG. 54.

FIG. 56 is a front view of the second housing part shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 57 is a side view of the second housing part shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 58 is a top view of the second housing part shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 59 is a bottom view of the second housing part shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a transfer tube assembly of the filterarrangement shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 60A is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the transfertube assembly shown in FIG. 60.

FIG. 61 is a side view of the transfer tube assembly shown in FIG. 60.

FIG. 62 is a bottom view of the transfer tube assembly shown in FIG. 60.

FIG. 63 is an exploded perspective view of the transfer tube assemblyshown in FIG. 60.

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of a first tube half of the transfer tubeassembly shown in FIG. 60.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a second tube half of the transfer tubeassembly shown in FIG. 60.

FIG. 66 is a first perspective view of a valve assembly of the transfertube assembly shown in FIG. 60.

FIG. 67 is a top view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 66.

FIG. 68 is a front view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 66.

FIG. 69 is a first side view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 66.

FIG. 70 is a second view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 66.

FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in FIG.66, taken along the line 71-71 in FIG. 67.

FIG. 72 is a first perspective view of a first valve part of the valveassembly shown in FIG. 66.

FIG. 73 is a second perspective view of the first valve part shown inFIG. 72.

FIG. 74 is a first side view of the first valve part shown in FIG. 72.

FIG. 75 is a second side view of the first valve part shown in FIG. 72.

FIG. is a bottom view of the first valve part shown in FIG. 72.

FIG. 77 is a top view of the first valve part shown in FIG. 72.

FIG. 78 is a front view of the first valve part shown in FIG. 72.

FIG. 79 is a rear view of the first valve part shown in FIG. 72.

FIG. 80 is a first perspective view of a second valve part of the valveassembly shown in FIG. 66.

FIG. 81 is a second perspective view of the second valve part shown inFIG. 80.

FIG. 82 is a first side view of the second valve part shown in FIG. 80.

FIG. 83 is a second side view of the second valve part shown in FIG. 80.

FIG. 84 is a top view of the second valve part shown in FIG. 80.

FIG. 85 is a bottom view of the second valve part shown in FIG. 80.

FIG. 86 is a front view of the second valve part shown in FIG. 80.

FIG. 87 is a rear view of the second valve part shown in FIG. 80.

FIG. 88 is a perspective view of a dampening member of the transfer tubeassembly shown in FIG. 60.

FIG. 89 is a top view of the dampening member shown in FIG. 88.

FIG. 90 is a cross-sectional view of the dampening member shown in FIG.88, taken along the line 90-90 in FIG. 89.

FIG. 91 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the dampening membershown in FIG. 88, taken along the line 90-90 in FIG. 89.

FIG. 92 is a perspective view of a dampening member connecting thetransfer tube assembly to the pump assembly first housing part of thefilter arrangement shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 93 is a cross-sectional view of the dampening member shown in FIG.92.

FIG. 94 is a perspective view of an intake tube assembly of the filterarrangement shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 95 is an exploded perspective view of the intake tube assemblyshown in FIG. 94.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various examples will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts andassemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various examplesdoes not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally,any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to belimiting and merely set forth some of the many possible examples for theappended claims. Referring to the drawings wherein like referencenumbers correspond to like or similar components throughout the severalfigures.

General Construction

FIGS. 1-9 illustrate a filter arrangement 10 having features that areexamples of how inventive aspects in accordance with the principles ofthe present disclosure may be practiced. Preferred features are adaptedfor reducing the generation of vibration and noise emanating from thefilter arrangement 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the filter arrangement 10 generally includes afilter housing assembly 20, an intake tube assembly 40, a pump assembly60, and a transfer tube assembly 80. When the pump assembly 60 isactivated, water is drawn by the pump assembly 60 from the aquarium 12(partially, schematically illustrated at FIG. 4) through the intake tubeassembly 40 and is delivered to the transfer tube assembly 80. From thetransfer tube assembly 80, the pumped water passes through a filtercartridge 24 disposed within a housing 22 of the filter housing assembly20, and is then returned to the aquarium via a spillway 22 d formed inthe housing 22. As is discussed in detail later, dampening structuresare provided at the connection point between the pump assembly 60 andthe housing assembly 20, at the connection point between the transfertube assembly 80 and the housing assembly 20, and at the connectionpoint between the transfer tube assembly 80 and the pump assembly 60.Theses dampening structures greatly reduce the transmission of vibrationand sound generated by the pump assembly 60 to the housing assembly 20directly from the pump assembly 60 and via the transfer tube assembly80.

Filter Housing Assembly 20

As most easily seen at FIG. 9, the filter housing assembly 20 includes ahousing 22, a filter cartridge 24, a bio-plate structure 26, and aremovable cover 28 for accessing the interior of the housing 22. Thehousing 22 defines a filter chamber 22 a within the filter cartridge 24and bio-plate structure 26 are disposed. Once installed, the filtercartridge 24 divides the filter chamber 22 a of the housing 22 into anintake chamber 22 b and a discharge chamber 22 c, as can be most easilyviewed at FIG. 7. Water flow from the pump assembly 60 is directed intothe intake chamber 22 b via a transfer tube 82 the transfer tubeassembly 80. The water then passes through the filter cartridge 24 andinto the discharge chamber 22 c. Once the water level in the dischargechamber 22 c reaches a sufficient height, the filtered water spills overa spillway 22 d. The spillway 22 d of the filter arrangement 10 isconstructed to mount over an edge 12 a of the aquarium 12 so that thefiltered water is directed back into the aquarium. As can be seen atFIGS. 12-17, the housing 22 also includes an aperture 22 e for receivingthe transfer tube 82. The housing 22 additionally includes a receivingarrangement 22 f for enabling connection between the housing 22 and thepump assembly 60, discussed later.

Intake Tube Assembly 40

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, 11, and 94-95, the intake tube assembly 40 isshown in greater detail. In one aspect, the intake tube assembly 40connects to a sidewall 66 c of the pump assembly second housing part 66(discussed later) in a snap-fit manner such that water at a selectedheight range within the aquarium 12 can be drawn into the pump assembly60. As shown, the intake tube assembly 40 includes a main tube 42, anextension tube 44, and a strainer tube 46. The strainer tube 46 isconnected to the extension tube in a snap-fit manner and includes aplurality of openings 46 a through which water can pass into theinterior of the tube 46. The extension tube 44 is slidably connected tothe main tube 42 via respective cooperating features 42 a, 44 a on themain tube 42 and extension tube 44. In the example shown, feature 42 aincludes a deflectable rib or protrusion and features 44 a arecircumferential grooves which can receive the rib or protrusion 42 asuch that the height of the strainer tube 46 can be positively indexedat a desired height within the aquarium 12.

Pump Assembly 60

Referring to FIGS. 10-36 details of the pump assembly 60 and firstdampening structure 100 are shown. In the examples presented, the filterhousing assembly 20 and the pump assembly 60 are separate assembliesthat are connected to each other via the dampening structure 100. Thisarrangement allows for vibration and sounds generated by the pumpassembly 60 to be isolated from the filter housing assembly 20. As thefilter housing assembly 20 is directly mounted to the aquarium 12, thedampening structure 100 thus isolates vibration and sound generated bythe pump assembly 60 from being transmitted to the filter housingassembly 20 and aquarium walls 12.

In one aspect, the pump assembly 60 includes a housing 62 formed byinterconnected first and second housing parts 64, 66. The first andsecond housing parts 64, 66 can be connected together via a snap-fittype connection, or by other means such as by an adhesive or mechanicalfasteners.

The first housing part 64 includes a bottom wall 64 a from which asidewall 64 b extends to define a first interior cavity 64 c. The firsthousing part 64 further includes an interior sidewall 64 d and interiorend wall 64 e that defines a second interior cavity 64 f within theinterior cavity 64 c. The first housing part 64 additionally includes anexterior sidewall 64 g which extends through the bottom wall 64 a to anopen end 64 h to form an exit passageway 64 i. In one aspect, theinterior cavity 64 c of the first housing part 64 can be filled with anepoxy material to secure the magnetic drive components and relatedelectrical components of the pump 70, discussed later.

The second housing part 66 is defined by a first sidewall 66 a definingan interior cavity 66 b and a second sidewall 66 c defining an inletpassageway 66 d into the interior cavity 66 b. The second sidewall 66 cis configured to connect with the intake tube assembly 40. When thefirst and second housing parts 64, 66 are connected together, the secondinterior cavity 64 f of the first housing part 64 opens into interiorcavity 66 b of the second housing part 66. Additionally, the passageway64 h defined by the sidewall 64 f is also open to the interior cavity 66b of the second housing part such that a passageway is defined from theintake tube assembly 40, through the interior cavity 66 b, through theexit passageway 64 i, and into the transfer tube assembly 80 where waterfrom the aquarium 80 can be delivered to the housing intake chamber 22b.

The pump assembly 60 includes a pump 70 including a bracket 70 asupporting a magnetic drive part 70 b, a coil (not shown), and animpeller magnet part 70 c. The impeller magnet part 70 c is coupled toan impeller 70 e such that when the impeller magnetic part 70 c rotates,the impeller 70 e rotates as well. Electrical leads 70 d extend to thecontrol part 70 a such that the magnetic drive part 70 b can be poweredto drive the impeller via the impeller magnet part 70 c.

As shown, the electrical leads 70 d, the bracket 70 a, and the magneticdrive part 70 b are housed within the first interior cavity 64 c whilethe impeller magnet part 70 c is housed within the second interiorcavity 64 e, with the impeller extending into the interior cavity 66 bof the second housing part. Thus, when the magnet drive part 70 b ispowered, the impeller 70 e rotates to draw fluid from the aquarium 80and into the intake tube assembly 40, through the interior cavity 66 b,through the exit passageway 64 i, and into the transfer tube assembly40.

In one aspect, a cover member 68 can be provided to enclose the interiorcavity 64 c of the first housing part 64 within which the pump assembly60 is disposed. The cover member 68 is shown in isolation at FIGS.38-45. In the example shown, the cover member 68 is connected to thefirst housing part 64 via the epoxy filled into the interior cavity 64c. The cover member 68 can be connected to the first housing part 64 byother types of connections, for example a snap-fit type connection. Asshown, the cover member 68 includes a base member 68 a that has aperimeter profile that generally matches the perimeter profile of thefirst housing part 64 such that the cover part generally encloses thetop of the interior cavity 64 c. The cover member 68 can be providedwith one or more projections or extensions 68 b that extend into theinterior cavity to allow the epoxy to more securely engage with andretain the cover member 68. The cover member 68 can also be providedwith a collar or aperture 68 c for allowing electrical leads 70 d of thepump assembly 60 to extend out of the interior cavity 64 c.

The cover member 68 is also shown as being provided with a plurality ofsupport arms 68 d, 68 e, 68 f that enable connection to a mountingmember 69 via a dampening member 100. The mounting member 69 is directlycoupled to the filter housing assembly 20 while the dampening member 100reduces and/or eliminates vibrations and sounds generated by the pumpassembly 60 from being transmitted to the filter housing assembly 20.Collectively, the cover member 68, the mounting member 69, and thedampening member 100 function as a dampening structure/assembly andconnection mechanism for coupling the pump assembly 60 to the filterhousing assembly 20. Thus, these components may be referred to as anindependent dampening assembly 101 or as a dampening subassembly of thepump assembly. This assembly or subassembly 101 is shown in isolation atFIGS. 24-29. The vibration and sound dampening functionality of thedampening assembly or subassembly is an improvement over prior artdesigns in which the pump assembly and filter housing assembly areconstructed as a single assembly which leaves little or no opportunityfor incorporating vibration isolation measures.

As shown, a pair of support arms 68 d is provided which extend up fromthe base member 68 a and then extend in a direction parallel to the basemember 68 a. As such, the support arms 68 d can be characterized ashaving an L-shape or a bent shape. The support arms 68 d further includehook or retaining portions 68 g that extend down towards the base member68 a and function to retain the dampening member 100 on the support arms68 d once the dampening member 100 is installed onto the arms 68 d. Athird support arm 68 e is provided between the support arms 68 d andsimilarly extends up from the base member 68 a and then parallel to thebase member 68 a, but without having a hook or retaining portion 68 g.

The support arms 68 f of the cover member 68 similarly extend up fromthe base 68 a, but to a larger extent with a relatively shorter portionextending in a direction parallel to the base 68 a. The support arms 68f are also provided with a hook or retaining portion 68 h. Unlike thesupport arms 68 d and 68 e, the support arms 68 f are configured toengage with corresponding L-shaped or bent support arms 69 b of themounting member 69 if necessary, but are normally spaced from thesupport arms 69 b such that sound and vibration transmission directlyfrom the cover member 68 to the mounting member 69 does not occur.

Referring to FIGS. 30-37, the mounting member 69 is shown in isolation.As shown, the mounting member 69 is unitarily formed with a base member69 a, the aforementioned support arms 69 b, and with an additional pairof support arms 69 c. The support arms 69 c extend down from the basemember 69 a and then extend in a direction parallel to the base member68 a of the cover member 68 such that the support arms 69 c are parallelto the support arms 68 d, 68 e. As such, the support arms 69 c can becharacterized as having an L-shape or a bent shape. The support arms 69c further include hook or retaining portions 69 d that extend down andaway from the base member 69 a and function to retain the dampeningmember 100 on the support arms 69 c once the dampening member 100 isinstalled onto the arms 69 c. In one aspect, the base member 69 adefines a mounting surface 69 e which is formed with a curved shape thatis complementary to the shape of the bottom of the housing 22 of thefilter housing assembly 20 such that the mounting member 69 can bejoined in a flush relationship to the housing 22, as can be most easilyseen at FIGS. 7 and 8. The profile of this curve can also be observed atthe top edge of the first housing part 64 of the pump assembly 60 (e.g.see FIG. 51) which allows the first housing part 64 to be flush mountedto the housing 22 of filter housing assembly. To facilitate attachmentof the mounting member 69 to the housing 22, the mounting member 69 isprovided with mounting holes 69 f, 69 g through which fasteners canextend into the receiving arrangement 22 f. Through this connection, thepump assembly 60 is mounted to the filter housing assembly 20, but withvibration from the pump assembly 60 being dampened by the interconnecteddampening member 100.

The dampening member 100 is shown in isolation at FIGS. 46-47. Aspresented, the dampening member 100 is formed with a unitaryconstruction from an elastomeric or viscoelastic polymeric material,such as plastics, rubbers, silicones, and polyurethanes. In one aspect,the dampening member 100 is provided with a main body 100 a having aplurality of openings for receiving the support arms from the covermember 68 and the mounting member 69. For example, the main body 100 ais provided with openings 100 b and 100 f for receiving the support arms68 d and an opening 100 d for receiving the support arm 68 e. The mainbody 100 a is also provided with openings 100 c and 100 e for receivingthe pair of mounting arms 69 b of the mounting member 69. Accordingly,any vibration or sound transmitted to the support arms 68 d, 68 e fromthe pump 70 is dampened by the dampening member 100 and is transmittedto a much lesser degree, if at all, to the support arms 69 b of themounting member 69. In the embodiment shown, the opening 100 b-100 f aregenerally rectangular in shape (with rounded corners) and extend all theway through the main body 100 a. However, different shapes may beutilized, such as circular, triangular, and other polygonal shapes withor without rounded corners. Also, although five total openings areshown, more or fewer openings can be provided depending upon the desirednumber of support arms extending from the mounting member 69 and covermember 68.

The pump assembly 60 can also be provided with a dampening member 110 tofacilitate the connection between the pump assembly 60 and the transfertube assembly 80. As presented, the dampening member 110 is formed witha unitary construction from an elastomeric or viscoelastic polymericmaterial, such as plastics, rubbers, silicones, and polyurethanes. Asdescribed earlier, the first housing part 64 of the pump assembly 60includes an exterior sidewall 64 g which extends through the bottom wall64 a to an open end 64 h to form an exit passageway 64 i. This structureessentially forms a pumped fluid outlet opening to which the inlet end82 a of a tube structure 82 (discussed later) of the transfer tubeassembly 80 can be connected via the dampening member 110, as can mosteasily be seen at FIG. 6A. The dampening member 110 is shown inisolation at FIGS. 92-93 where it can be seen that the dampening member110 is a tubular structure with a sidewall 110 a extending from a firstopen end 110 b to a second open end 110 c. The sidewall 110 africtionally engages the sidewall 64 g at the first open end 110 b andthe tubular structure inlet end 82 a at the second open end 110 c. Theseals formed between the sidewall 110 a and the sidewall 64 g andtubular structure 82 may be further formed with a sealant, such assilicone or may be further effectuated mechanically, such as with aband.

In one aspect, the dampening member 110 includes an internalcircumferential flange 110 d which extends radially inwardly from thesidewall 110 a. The circumferential flange 110 d extends sufficientlyinwardly such that the end of the sidewall 64 g and the inlet end 82 aof the tube structure are prevented from abutting each other, and thustransmitting sound and vibration from the pump assembly 60 to thetransfer tube assembly 80. Instead, the end of the sidewall 64 g and theinlet end 82 a of the tube structure 82 each abuts the internalcircumferential flange 110 d where these components are inserted intothe dampening member 110 to such a degree.

Taken together, the dampening members 100 and 110 operate to reduce orprevent the transmission of sound and vibration from the pump assembly60 to the downstream related components (e.g. housing assembly 20,transfer tube assembly 80) of the filtration arrangement 10 and thusultimately reduce or prevent sound and vibration from being transmittedto the aquarium 12 where the sound and vibration can be furtheramplified.

Transfer Tube Assembly 80

Referring to FIGS. 6-11 and 60-91, features of the transfer tubeassembly 80 are shown in greater detail. In one aspect, the transfertube assembly 80 includes an arc-shaped tube structure 82 extendingbetween an inlet end 82 a and an outlet end 82 b. The tube structure 82is primarily situated within the housing 22 and rests within aconcave-shaped support channel 22 g defined within the housing 22. Theinlet end 82 a of the tube structure 82 extends through the aperture 22e of the housing 22 and is connected to the pump assembly exteriorsidewall 64 g via a dampening structure 100 (discussed later). The tubestructure 82 is oriented within the housing 22 such that the second end82 b extends into the intake chamber 22 b of the housing 22, as mosteasily viewed at FIG. 7. Thus, the tube structure 82 allows for waterpumped by the pump assembly 60 to be delivered to the intake chamber 22.The tube structure 82 additionally defines a valve cavity 82 d forhousing a valve assembly 90 (discussed later) and a support structure 82c to which dampening structures 300 (discussed later) are attached.

In one aspect, the tube structure 82 is formed by a first tube half 84and a second tube half 86 mated to the first tube half 84. The tubehalves 84, 86 can be bonded to each other by a variety of means, such asby sonic welding. Each tube half 84, 86 extends between a first end 84a, 86 a and a second end 84 b, 86 b. Additionally, the tube half 84includes a cylindrical sidewall portion 84 c and the tube half includesa cavity portion 86 c that cooperatively define the valve cavity 82 d.The valve cavity 82 d retains the valve body 92 of a valve assembly 90,discussed later. The tube halves 84, 86 are also provided with arecessed area 84 f, 86 f that together form a recessed portion 82 dwithin which a valve member 92 f of the valve body 92 resides when thevalve assembly 90 is in an open position.

In one aspect, the tube half 84 is shown as including a pair ofalignment apertures 84 e while the tube half 86 is shown as including apair of alignment protrusions 86 e that are received into the apertures86 e. These features ensure that the tube halves 84, 86 are properlyaligned to each other prior to being bonded together and also aid ininitial alignment during assembly. As shown, the apertures 84 e andprotrusions 86 e are located proximate the valve cavity 82 c whereproper alignment is generally more important. The apertures andprotrusions 84 e, 86 e can also impart additional structural integrityto the tube structure 82. Other numbers, locations, and combinations ofapertures and protrusions may be provided on the tube halves 84, 86 toensure alignment. Also, other alignment features may be utilized such aselongated slots or grooves that receive cooperatively shapedprotrusions.

In one aspect, the tube half 84 is additionally provided with a stopstructure 88, as can be seen most easily at FIG. 65. The stop structure88 provides for a limiting function for the positioning of the valveassembly 90 such that the valve assembly 90 can only be rotated betweentwo end stop points. To achieve this function, the stop structure 88 isprovided with a first stop surface 88 a and a second stop surface 88 bwhich interact with a portion of the valve assembly 90, such as anoperator portion or valve body.

By providing the tube structure 82 in two halves 84, 86, the valve body92 (discussed later) of the valve assembly 90 can be installed withinthe sidewall portion 84 c and cavity portion 86 c prior to the tubehalves 84, 86 being joined together. Once the tube halves 84, 86 arejoined together, the valve body 92 is securely retained within the valvecavity 82 c and can rotate within the valve cavity 82 c to control thevolumetric flow rate of the water flowing through the filter arrangement10. Each tube half 84, 86 also defines a support leg 84 d, 86 d whichtogether form the support structure 82 c of the tube structure 82.

As most easily seen at FIGS. 63 and 66 to 71, the valve assembly 90 isshown in further detail. The valve assembly 90 allows for the volumetricflow rate through the transfer tube assembly 80 to be controlledmanually by selectively providing resistance to the water pumped by thepump assembly 60 and passing through the tube structure 82. In someinstances, it is undesirable for the filter arrangement 10 to operate atfull flow capacity. For example, when food is added to the aquarium 12it is desirable to have little or no flow through the filter arrangementto avoid the food being unintentionally drawn into the filterarrangement before it can be consumed. Also, where the filterarrangement 10 has a larger capacity than what is required for theaquarium 12 in which it is installed, the valve assembly 90 can beadjusted and set such that a desired flow rate through the filterarrangement 10 is achieved. As presented, the valve assembly 90 includesthe aforementioned valve body 92, a valve operator 94, an indicator 96attached to the valve operator 96, and a seal member 98. The valveassembly 90 is shown in isolation from the tube structure 92 at FIGS.66-71.

Referring to FIGS. 72 to 79, the valve body 92 is shown in isolation. Aspresented, the valve body 92 is a unitarily formed component with acylindrical body 92 a within which a channel or passageway 92 b isformed by sidewalls 92 c, 92 d, and 92 e. A cavity 92 g is also formedbetween the cylindrical body 92 a and the sidewall 92 c. The sidewall 92c extends between the sidewalls 92 d, 92 e and extends beyond thecylindrical body 92 a to a distal end 92 f. In one aspect, the sidewall92 c is provided with an aperture 92 h for receiving a latch member ofthe valve operator 96. The distal end 92 f has a radius and/or shapethat generally matches the interior radius and/or shape of the tubestructure 82. As constructed, the distal end 92 f of the sidewall 92 cfunctions as a stop or regulating member of the valve assembly 90. Assuch, the distal end 92 f of the valve body 92 may be referred to morebroadly as a valve member, stop member, or regulating member 92 f. Ascan be most easily seen at FIG. 9, when the valve body 92 is rotatedfully into an open flow position, the valve member 92 f resides in arecessed area 82 d of the tube structure 82. This allows water flowingthrough the valve assembly 90 to pass through the channel or passageway92 b of the valve body 92 relatively unobstructed along a flow path 93.When the valve body 92 is rotated within the tube structure 82, which isabout an axis that is parallel to the top of the aquarium 12, the valvemember 92 f enters into the flow path 93 and provides resistance to thewater flowing through the flow path 93. Thus, a desired flow ratethrough the tube structure 82 can be achieved by appropriately rotatingthe valve body 92. Although the axis of rotation of the valve body 92 isshown as being parallel to the top of the aquarium, other angles arepossible.

In one aspect, the valve body 92 can be connected to and rotated via thevalve operator 94. The valve operator 94 is shown in isolation at FIGS.80 to 87. As shown, the valve operator 94 is unitarily formed with anoperator portion 94 a, a pair of engagement members 94 b extending fromthe operator, and a connecting member 94 c also extending from theoperator portion 94 a. The operator portion 94 a provides a mechanism bywhich an operator can manipulate the rotational position of the valvebody 92 by likewise rotating the operator portion 94 a. In the exampleshown, the operator portion 94 a is provided with a concave shapedrecess 94 h to allow a user's finger to more easily grip or engage theoperator portion 94 a. Other features such as knurls and ribs may beprovided for tactile purposes as well.

The extension members 94 b extend into the cavity 92 g of the valve body92 and engage with the valve body 92 such that a rotational forceapplied to the operator portion 94 a is translated to the valve body 92.In one aspect, the extension members 92 b and the cavity 92 g havecomplimentary shapes for a relatively low tolerance engagement. Theconnecting member 94 c is provided with a latch member 94 d that isreceived by the aperture 92 h in the valve body sidewall 92 c to form asecure, snap-fit type connection.

In one aspect, the operator portion 94 a includes a first stop surface94 e and a second stop surface 94 f that respectively interact with thestop surfaces 88 a, 88 b of the stop structure 88 on the tube half 84.These surfaces cooperate to limit the rotation of the operator portion94 a, and by extension, the valve body 92. As such, the valve assembly90 can be rotated to a fully open position when the operator stopsurface 94 e is engaged with the stop structure end stop surface 88 aand can be rotated to a fully closed position when the operator stopsurface 94 f is engaged with the stop structure end stop surface 88 b.It is noted that the fully closed position can be a position in whichvirtually all flow through the tube structure 82 is blocked or in whichflow is restricted but still exists at some reduced rate. Additionally,it is noted that the stop surfaces 94 e, 94 f could also be provided onthe valve body 92 rather than the operator 94.

The valve operator 94 can also be provided with a flanged recess 94 gfor retaining the seal member 98. The seal member 98 is most easilyviewed as being retained in the flanged recess 94 g at FIGS. 66 to 68.As stated, earlier, the valve body 92 is initially installed between thetube halves 84, 86 and the valve operator 94 is connected to the valvebody 92 after the tube halves 84, 86 have been joined together. As such,a potential leak path exists at the location where the valve operator 94is connected to the valve body 92. The seal member 98, configured as anO-ring, prevents such leakage by engaging with the cylindrical sidewallportion 84 c of the tube half 84 once the valve operator 94 is joined tothe valve body 92.

In one aspect, the valve operator 94 is provided with an indicator 96that enables an operator to visually observe the relative position ofthe valve assembly 90. In the example shown, the operator portion isprovided with a recessed area 94 i for receiving the indicator 96 in asnap-fit type arrangement. The indicator 96 is most easily viewable atFIGS. 66 to 71, where it can be seen that the indicator 96 saddles eachside of the operator portion 94 a and generally follows the perimeterprofile of the operator portion 94 a. By providing the indicator 96 as aseparate component, the indicator 96 can be more easily provided with acolor that is different than the color of the operator portion 94 a. Forexample, the indicator 96 can be molded from a red plastic material todifferentiate it from a darker color from which the valve operator 94 ismolded. However, it is entirely possible to provide an indicator 96directly on the operator portion without requiring a separate component,such as by painting. As can be seen at FIGS. 1 to 6, the operatorportion 94 a of the valve operator 94 extends through an aperture 28 aof the cover 28. Thus, the position of the valve assembly 90 can bemanipulated by a user without requiring removal of the cover 28. Thecover 28 can also include indicia 28 b, such as “+” and “−” symbols toprovide an indication to an operator as to which direction the operatorportion 94 a should be moved in order to provide more or less flow. Whenthe operation portion 94 a has been rotated to a sufficiently closedposition, the indicator 96 will pass through the opening 28 a and beviewable to a user. Thus, the indicator 96 can provide a visual alert toan operator that the filter arrangement 10 is not operating at fullcapacity.

With reference to FIG. 60A, the operation of the valve body 92 withinthe transfer tube halves 84 can be most easily viewed. In FIG. 60A, thevalve member 92 f is shown in an open position, as referenced at 92 f-O,and is shown in the closed position, as referenced at 92 f-C. The valvebody 92 rotates between the open and closed positions about a rotationalaxis X1 through an angle a1. With the disclosed design, the valve body92 and the valve operator 94 can be beneficially rotated between thefully open and closed positions with 90 degrees or less of totalrotation. In the example shown, angle a1 is about 46 degrees. Thisrelatively low value is advantageous in that an operator need not turnthe operator 94 multiple times in order to move the valve body 92between the open and closed positions. In one aspect, the rotationalaxis X1 is orthogonal or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X2 (seeFIG. 62) of the transfer tube assembly 80 and the constituent tubehalves 84. By orienting the rotational axis X1 in such a manner, theoperator 94 can be located on one side of the tube halves 84, therebyenabling the operator 94 to be placed in an ideal use for an operator.

In the example embodiments presented, the transfer tube assembly 80 canbe constructed with isolation features that minimize or eliminate thetransfer of vibration and sound to the housing 22 of the filter housingassembly 20. As described previously, each tube half 84, 86 of the tubestructure defines a support leg 84 d, 86 d which together form thesupport structure 82 c of the tube structure 82. As most easily viewedat FIGS. 60-62, a dampening member 120 is inserted onto each of thesupport legs 84 d, 86 d. The dampening members 120, shown in isolationat FIGS. 88-91, can be formed from the same types of elastomericmaterials as already described for dampening members 100, 100. Eachdampening member 120 is provided with a main body 120 a defining agenerally hemi-spherical or oblong rounded shape defining a recess 120 bfor receiving the support leg 84 d or 86 d. In one aspect, the recess120 b can include a further pair of recesses 120 c for receivingprotrusions 84 g, 86 g extending from the opposite surfaces of thesupport legs 84 d, 86 d. The interaction of the protrusions 84 g, 86 gand the recesses 120 c aid in locking the dampening members 120 to thesupport legs 84 d, 86 d. As most easily viewed at FIGS. 9 and 10, thedampening members 120 are received within a recessed area 22 h definedin the housing 22. This configuration allows for the entire transfertube assembly 80 to be supported by the dampening member 120 and by thedampening member 100 such that hard plastic-to-plastic contact betweenthe transfer tube assembly 80 and the housing 22 can be avoided. Thus,any vibration or sound that is transferred to the transfer tube assembly80 from the pump 70 is further isolated from being transmitted to thehousing 22 by the dampening member 120. Furthermore, any vibration orsound generated within the transfer tube assembly 80, which is notgenerally expected but could potentially occur at the valve assembly 90,is also isolated from the housing.

From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident thatmodifications and variations can be made in the aspects of thedisclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the aspects.While the best modes for carrying out the many aspects of the presentteachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art towhich these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspectsfor practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transfer tube assembly of an aquarium filterarrangement for an aquarium, the transfer tube assembly comprising: a) atube structure including a first tube half and a second tube half matedto the first tube half, the tube structure defining a valve cavitybetween an inlet end of the tube structure and an outlet end of the tubestructure; b) a valve body rotatably disposed within the valve cavity ofthe tube structure, the valve body being rotatable to limit water flowthrough the tube structure and having a rotational axis that isperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube structure; c) a valveoperator connected to the valve body, the valve operator being formanipulating the rotational position of the valve body, wherein thevalve body can be rotated between a closed position and an open positionin 90 degrees or less of rotation of the valve operator; and d) a sealmember providing a seal between the valve operator and the tubestructure.
 2. The transfer tube assembly of claim 1, wherein tubestructure includes a first stop surface against which the valve operatorabuts when the valve operator is rotated to a position corresponding tothe valve body being in a fully open position.
 3. The transfer tubeassembly of claim 2, wherein the tube structure includes a second stopsurface against which the valve operator abuts when the valve operatoris rotated to a position corresponding to the valve body being in arelatively closed position.
 4. The transfer tube assembly of claim 1,wherein the tube structure defines a recessed portion within which avalve member of the valve body resides when the valve body is in a fullyopen position.
 5. A method for constructing a transfer tube assembly forof an aquarium filter arrangement for an aquarium, the methodcomprising: inserting a valve body into a first cavity portion of afirst tube half; joining a second tube half to the first tube half suchthat the valve body is received into a second cavity portion of thesecond tube half; bonding the first tube half to the second tube half tosecure the valve body between the first and second tube halves; andmounting a valve operator to the valve body.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein the bonding step includes sonic welding.
 7. The method of claim5, wherein the step of mounting the valve operator includes mounting thevalve operator such that a seal member forms a seal between the valveoperator and the first tube half.